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Nature

Lake Nakuru

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Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru

Located in the highlands of Kenya at an elevation of 1,754 meters, this lake is characterized by shallow, calm waters and expansive open scenery. Travelers visit the area primarily for wildlife viewing and to experience the natural landscape of the Rift Valley.

Getting There

The lake is situated within the Lake Nakuru National Park. From Nakuru city centre, it is a short drive to the park gates. Depending on traffic and the specific gate used, the journey typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Duration of Visit

To adequately explore the lake shores and the surrounding park environment, allow at least one full day. This provides enough time for driving through the park and observing the local fauna without rushing.

When to Visit

The area is accessible year-round. Early morning and late afternoon are the most effective times for wildlife spotting, as animals are more active during cooler temperatures. The site can become crowded during peak tourism seasons and on public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

The lake can be combined with other local sites to extend the trip:

  • Lake Nakuru National Park: Located on-site (0km).
  • Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum: 10km away.
  • Menengai: 18.6km away.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Lake Nakuru

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Lake Nakuru Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Nakuru 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Nakuru grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

1 nights, 2 days

Nakuru 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Nakuru grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Lake Nakuru National Park

Parks & gardens

Lake Nakuru National Park

This national park surrounds Lake Nakuru, about 160 km northwest of Nairobi. It is the second most visited park after the Maasai Mara, drawing around 200,000 visitors a year.

0.0 km away
Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum

Museums & galleries

Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum

A prehistoric site in Nakuru where excavations led by Dr. Mary Leakey in 1938 uncovered traces of habitation from several eras, leading to its designation as a national monument in 1945. Open to the public since 1965, it offers a firsthand look at the traces of early human life in Kenya.

10.0 km away
Menengai

Nature

Menengai

Menengai is a shield volcano in the Great Rift Valley near Nakuru, home to one of the largest calderas in Africa. It's a great spot to take in both the massive crater and the surrounding valley scenery.

18.6 km away